Joe Barnett

After a long time the master . . . returned and settled accounts.       —Matthew 25:19 In Jesus’ parable of the talents (Mt 25:14–30), he said gifts are given to “each according to their ability.” The two-talent servant was not required to produce at the level of the five-talent servant—but he was expected […]

You don’t know the day your Lord will come.   —Matthew 24:42 In Matthew 25:1–13, Jesus told a story about ten bridesmaids. He said five of them were wise because they were prepared for the arrival of the bridegroom to begin the wedding banquet and five of them were foolish because they weren’t. It’s really

He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.    —1 Corinthians 15:57 [Continued: Day 5] Who is more important: the one sitting at the table or the one serving? How is it that you seek praise from one another and not seek the praise that comes from God? Do you realize what I

Think the same way that Christ Jesus thought.                              —Philippians 2:5 [Continued: Day 4] Why are you so frightened? Why are you upset? Why do doubts invade your mind? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to

Look only to Jesus, the One who began our faith and who makes it perfect. —Hebrews 12:2 [Continued: Day 3] What profit is there if you gain the whole world—and lose eternal life? What could you ever trade your soul for? If you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you

Honor Christ and let him be the Lord of your life. —1 Peter 3:15 [Continued: Day 2] What do you want me to do for you? Do you really believe that I can do this? Why did you doubt me? Don’t you remember? If even the smallest things are beyond your control, why are you

Jesus’ teachings were often clothed as questions. Of his many questions, I’ve chosen thirty for your reflection. I am posting them without citing the scripture references so you will confront them personally—let them meet you where you are right now. The questions are his; the answers are yours. For the next five days we will

Encourage one another and build each other up. —1 Thessalonians 5:11 If you go about today’s business with open eyes, you’ll spot a kid who is sad, a mom who is weary, or an acquaintance who is lonely: the overlooked, the ignored. When you reach out to them, you’re ministering to Jesus. He said when

The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.      —Matthew 27:51 The curtain covering the entrance to the Most Holy Place in the temple, as described by Alfred Edersheim in The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, was sixty feet high, thirty feet wide, and the thickness of

You sent me aid again and again when I was in need.     —Philippians 4:16 Does the name Margaret Nixon McEathron ring a bell? How about Marilyn Monroe, Deborah Kerr, Natalie Wood, Sophia Loren, Janet Leigh, Audrey Hepburn? It was Margaret Nixon McEathron’s voice that dubbed Marilyn Monroe’s high notes in “Diamonds Are a